Ventilator for venting covers with improved air flow

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releaseably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are interchangeable so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/400,952,filed on Mar. 10, 2009, and claims priority to application Ser. No.29/385,453, filed on Feb. 14, 2011, which claims priority to applicationSer. No. 12/400,952, which claims priority to provisional application61/059,757 filed on Jun. 7, 2008, and provisional application 61/035,345filed on Mar. 10, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by this reference for all that they disclose.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present relate in general to the field of ventilatorapparatus and in particular to ventilator apparatus adapted to be usedwith a vehicle cover for items such as boats, automobiles, and any otherobject that is protected from the elements by the covering. Otherembodiments of the invention relate in general to the field ofadjustable poles for supporting items such as tents, boat covers, andcanvas covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational vehicles such as boats and travel trailers are typicallystored outdoors when not in use. Often, a cover is placed over theentire vehicle in order to protect it from elements of the weather suchas rain, snow, sleet, ultraviolet rays, heat from direct sunlight, aswell as dirt and dust from the outside air. In this regard, a simplecover is quite effective and yet an inexpensive alternative to indoorstorage. In the prior art, the covers can comprise canvas, plastic andother generally non-porous materials. Obviously, a non-porous coverfunctions very well for its intended purpose. Neither dirt nor rain canpenetrate the non-porous material and as a result the recreationalvehicle is fairly well protected when not in use.

One problem with using a porous or non porous cover to protect a vehicleis moisture and mildew resulting from condensation and other sources. Ina completely non porous cover, the condensation, in the form ofmoisture, is trapped inside the cover where it can penetrate everyunsealed surface of the covered vehicle and every electrical, mechanicaland fabric component in the vehicle. In a very real sense, the trappedmoisture is more damaging than the vehicle being left uncovered. Anuncovered vehicle can dry out, but a covered vehicle with moisturetrapped therewithin does not dry out and the vehicle is constantlyexposed to the moisture which over a shortened period of time can causea significant amount of damage.

The newer, breathable prior art materials allow some of the trappedmoisture to escape, but not completely. Even with the breathablematerials, moisture remains trapped inside the cover for a longer periodof time than it would if the cover were removed and the vehicle allowedto air dry. It is to be noted that the moisture problem is notnecessarily exclusive to the outdoors. Indeed, indoor storage, forexample, where the air is not conditioned or otherwise dry, canexperience high humidity. In such an environment, the moist air candamage a covered object or vehicle by becoming trapped under the cover.

In a commonly owned U.S. Patent issued to Gridley (U.S. Pat. No.6,938,631, incorporated by this reference for all that it discloses) onSep. 6, 2005, the applicant disclosed a new apparatus for venting acover covering a vehicle. Such ventilation apparatus was configured sothat so that air can freely pass in and out of the space inside of thecover.

While the applicant's prior art ventilation apparatus works well for itsintended purposes, novel improvements to the apparatus have beendeveloped and are disclosed herein.

To prevent water from pooling up on top of a boat cover (for example),the cover is typically supported by a support structure such as a pole.Prior devices used to support boat covers require both hands to adjustthe height of the pole by holding the pole with one hand and turning athumb screw with the other. Such a prior art configurations are awkward,heavier than necessary and more complex to use than need be.

What is needed is a new light weight support structure that can beeasily adjusted to the desired height and secured in place using onehand.

Another needed improvement for a cover support structure is remoteoperation. Crawling under a cover and manually extending an adjustablesupport structure can be quite annoying, especially at the end of a longday. What is needed is an adjustable support structure that can beextended from a remote location (remote from the support structure—e.g.the side of a boat away from a support pole).

Another needed improvement concerns electronic features. Covers canfail, the climate changes, and the location of the cover may change. Asa result, the environment under a cover continually changes for manyreasons. Some environmental conditions may be undesirable and need to be“corrected.” What is needed is a cover vent and/or support structuredevice that can monitor the cover and its environment to detect apredefined condition and perform a predefined task upon detection.Additional electronic features would include services such as tamperdetection and theft detection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be setforth in the following description, while other objects and advantagesof the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

The inventive ventilation device comprises a component assemblyincluding a dome member, a first ventilator plate, a second ventilatorplate and a nut. A simple hole of a predetermined size is made in thecover material and the ventilation device is associated with such hole.When covering a vehicle, the ventilation apparatus may be used with apole to raise the cover up and away from the vehicle surface to enhancethe circulation of air.

The dome comprises a top section and a depending shaft section. With afirst ventilator plate already associated with the dome's top section,the depending base is fitted into the hole in the cover so that a firstcover surface (the “outside” surface of the cover) is associated with asurface of the first ventilator plate. Next, a second ventilator plateis associated with the depending base from underneath the cover so thata second side of the cover (the “inside” surface of the cover) isassociates with a surface of the second ventilator plate. A nut is thenthreaded onto the shaft to clamp the cover between the ventilatorplates.

Tightening of the nut is done by hand and when fully tightened the topand bottom ventilator plates form a secure association with each otherand against the dome with the cover material firmly clasped between theventilator plates.

One improvement of the design relates to making the first and secondventilator plates “universal” so that either type of plate may be usedon either the “inside” or “outside”. Another improvement embodied by thepresent invention is to provide each ventilator plate with an improvedclamping surface to better secure the ventilator to the cover.

It should be noted that the present invention allows air to past freelythrough the ventilator plates via aligned openings (vent holes) providedin the plates thereby ventilating the system. One improvement embodiedby the present invention relates to reconfiguring the ventilator platedesign to better enable the venturi affect caused by air moving acrossthe vent holes thereby provide improved air flow between the “inside”and “outside” of the cover.

Some of the general objects of the invention are now briefly described.Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is toprovide an improved ventilator apparatus comprising a seam channelconfigured for receiving a cover seam to provide an even clamping forcewhen installing the ventilator apparatus directly over a cover seam.

Another principle object of the invention is to provide an improvedventilator apparatus configured with ventilator plates designed toprovide aerodynamics features that better enable the venturi effectcaused by wind moving across the apparatus' vent holes (by eithernatural wind or when the vehicle is in tow) thereby improving air flowbetween the “inside” and “outside” environment.

Another general object of the present invention is to provide animproved ventilator apparatus comprising ventilator plates with clampingfeatures that provide a more secure association between the ventilatorplates and the vehicle cover.

It is a further general object of the present invention is to provide animproved ventilator apparatus comprising universal ventilator platesthat may be used on either the “inside” or “outside” of the vehiclecover while providing protection from water entering through the ventholes and providing an improved venturi effect.

For the adjustable support structure, broadly speaking, a principleobject is to provide an improved flip lock support apparatus having anadjustable height where such support structure is light weight andconfigured to be adjusted and secured using one hand.

Another principle object of the invention is to provide a flip lockcover support apparatus having two pole sections in a telescopingconfiguration that can be secured at a desired height using one hand.

Yet another general object of the invention is to provide for animproved cover ventilator comprising a gear configured to interface withthe gear teeth associated with a support structure where the gear isconfigured to be remotely activated using a crank.

Still another general object of the invention is to provide a supportstructure configured for being associated with a cover ventilator wherethe support structure comprises a crank system for remotely adjustingthe height of the support structure.

Another general object of the invention is to provide a supportstructure comprising a pneumatic operated telescoping pole that allowsthe height of the support structure to be remotely adjusted using an airsource.

Another general object of the invention is to provide a ventilatorand/or support structure that is associated with an electronic moduleconfigured to perform a predefined set of electronically controlledfunctions.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilledin the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should befurther appreciated that modifications and variations to thespecifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or featureshereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of thisinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtueof the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but arenot limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced ordiscussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofvarious features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to beunderstood that different embodiments, as well as different presentlypreferred embodiments, of this invention may include variouscombinations or configurations of presently disclosed features orelements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features orparts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures orstated in the detailed description).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the inventionshowing a dome, a first ventilator plate and a second ventilator plate,and a nut;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view, in cross section, of one embodiment of thepresent invention as it may appear in practice attached to a cover;

FIG. 3 is a front plan cross sectional view for one exemplary embodimentof the dome depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the gusset-surface of a female ventilator plateaccording to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the griping-surface of a female ventilator plateaccording to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a female ventilator plate according to onepossible embodiment of the invention showing a continuous grippingregion;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a female ventilator plate according to onepossible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regionsseparated by a seam channel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the gusset-surface of a male ventilator plateaccording to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the griping-surface of a male ventilator plateaccording to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a male ventilator plate according to onepossible embodiment of the invention showing a continuous grippingregion;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a male ventilator plate according to onepossible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regionsseparated by a seam channel;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in FIG.11;

FIG. 16 is a plan cross sectional view of the nut of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 17; and,

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the nut of FIG. 1 and FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a ventilator associated with one embodiment ofthe invention comprising a three section telescoping pole secured inplace by latching devices;

FIG. 19 is a side view of one embodiment of a latching device;

FIG. 20 is an elevated perspective of the latching device depicted inFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the latching device depicted inFIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the latching device depicted in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top view of one latching device latch lever;

FIG. 24 is an elevated perspective view of one alternative embodiment ofthe invention comprising a modified ventilator configured for use with amodified gear driven support pole;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a ventilator associated with anotheralternative embodiment of the invention comprising a pneumaticallycontrolled telescoping support pole;

FIG. 27 is a close up view of a section of the device depicted in FIG.26;

FIG. 28 is a close up view of another section of the device depicted inFIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of modified ventilator domeconfigured with a jacking system for adjusting position of theventilator relative to the support structure.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a back view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the device depicted in FIG. 29 with cover 502removed;

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the device depicted in FIG. 29;

FIG. 36 b is a side perspective view of a pusher plate associated with aspring, a o-ring, and a release, all associated with a supportstructure;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram representation of one possible embodiment ofthe electronic elements of an alternative embodiment of the inventioncomprising electronics controls and functions; and

FIG. 38 is a top view of one possible embodiment of a dome portiondefining a polygonal umbrella shape.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology. Various objects,advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following discussion taken in conjunctionwith the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, andaspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determinedfrom the following detailed description. Repeat use of referencecharacters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elementsor steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodimentsonly, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanicallyassociated” by bringing them together or into relationship with eachother in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physicalconnection that may be releasable (snaps, rivets, screws, bolts, etc.)and/or movable (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.) Similarly, two ormore items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together orinto relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) adirect, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) adirect/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while thedrawings may illustrate various electronic components of a systemconnected by a single line, it will be appreciated that such lines mayrepresent one or more signal paths, power connections, electricalconnections and/or cables as required by the embodiment of interest.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention is presented. The ventilator (10) comprises a dome (12), afirst ventilator plate (14), a second ventilator plate (16), and a nut(8). For the illustrated embodiments depicted in the figures, ventilator(10) can be generally envisioned to include an outer portion and aninner portion. The outer portion is generally that portion of ventilator(10) that is located on the top or exterior side (“outside”) of a cover(11) (see FIG. 2) and includes the top portion of the dome (12) and afirst ventilator plate (14). The inner portion is generally that portionof ventilator (10) that is located on the under side or interior side(“inside”) of the cover (11) (see FIG. 2) and includes part of the shaftportion of the dome (12), a second ventilator plate (16), and thesecuring nut (8). Thus, the dome (12) is common to the outer and innerportions of ventilator (10).

Referring now to FIG. 2, in the assembled view shown in FIG. 2, thecover material (11) is seen to include a hole there through with a mainportion of the cover material (11) extending radially away from the holeand clamped between the opposed surfaces (15) and (17), of the firstventilator plate (14) and the second ventilator plate (16),respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 3, more details of dome (12) are considered. Dome(12) generally comprises a dome portion (12 a) and a shaft portion (12b). Dome portion (12 a) comprises a circular plate (18) having a curvedumbrella like configuration such that the axial center is the uppermostportion and the outer surface curves in a downward direction as itextends away from the axial center. By way of further explanation, theupper surface (19) of circular plate (18) has a convex configurationwhile the under surface (20) has a concave configuration.

The dome portion (12 a) serves in general to prevent rain and otherelements from entering the cover through the air vents defined by theventilator plates described later. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the domed configuration aids in such function by placingthe outer edges of the dome on a plane substantially level, or slightlylower or higher than the air vents. Consequently, the outer diameter ofcircular plate (18) of dome portion (12 a) is preferably, but notnecessarily equal to the outer diameter of the ventilator plates (14)and (16). Accordingly, the shape of dome portion (12 a) and its outerdiameter is to be consistent with its intended function and is wellwithin the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in this art. Inaddition, embodiments where circular plate (18) is replaced by otherconfigurations (such as polygonal configurations) fall within the scopeof the present invention. A square dome, for example, would prevent theventilator from rolling when being stored.

Dome (12) further includes a shaft portion (12 b) that extendsdownwardly from the center of circular plate (18). For the presentlypreferred embodiment, dome portion (12 a) and shaft portion (12 b)actually comprise a single member, i.e. dome (12). Shaft portion (12 b)includes a blind axial opening (24) suitably sized to receive astand-off pole (22) (see FIG. 2). Blind axial opening (24) can be of asingle diameter, tapered, or of stepped, multiple diameters to acceptpoles of different diameters. The opening is “blind” as it is closed atone end (i.e. the hole does not go all the way through).

The outer diameter of shaft portion (12 b) includes afirst-shaft-diameter (23 a) and a larger second-shaft-diameter (23 b)thereby defining a step or flanged surface (25) there between. Inaddition, one or more axial keys (26) extend along at least a portionthe length of the smaller first-shaft-diameter (23 a) of shaft portion(12 b). Screw threads (27) are provided at the bottom of the smallerfirst-shaft-diameter (23 a) configured for receiving nut (8). Both thethreads and the axial keys may be integrally molded with shaft (12 b).The function and characteristics of these features of shaft (12 b) arefurther described below.

The slightly thicker center portion (21) of the circular plate (18) isprovided to furnish extra strength to the dome in the event that a pole(22) (as shown in phantom in FIG. 2) is used to raise the cover (11) upand off of the covered vehicle or other device being protected by cover(11). Of course, the circular plate (18) can be made sufficiently thickso that the center portion (21) has the same thickness as circular plate(18) in general. As noted above, further alternative embodiments includeplate members that can be of a variable thickness and that having otherthan a circular configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 4 through FIG. 9, features of a first ventilatorplate (14) are considered. For the purposes of this discussion, thefirst ventilator plate (14) may be considered and described as a femaleventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however, that embodimentswhere the first and second ventilator plates are substantially identical(not male or female) fall within the scope of the present invention. Itshould also be appreciated that in the following exemplary embodimentdescription, the first ventilator plate (14) is used on the “outside” oras the outer portion ventilator plate as described above; however, thenovel improvements to the ventilator plates allow such plates to beinterchangeable so that either ventilator plate (14) or ventilator plate(16) may be used as the outer portion ventilator plate or inter portionventilator plate.

Referring to FIG. 4-9, first ventilator plate (14) comprises two opposedsurfaces defining a circular plate. For the presently preferredembodiment, the first ventilator plate (14) has an outer diameter thatis substantially the same as that of the dome (12). One ventilator platesurface is referred to as the gusset-surface and can be best seen inFIG. 4 and FIG. 8. The opposing surface to the gusset-surface isreferred to as the gripping-surface and can be best seen in FIG. 5 andFIG. 9. For the presently preferred embodiment, first ventilator plate(14) comprises circular venting section (35) which further defines aplurality of vent holes (30) that extend through the entirety of theventing section (35). Any number of holes may be used, however, for thepresently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holes are used.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, air vent section (35) has a generally circularouter diameter (35 a) and a generally circular inter diameter (35 b).Vent holes (30) are defined by section (35) disposed between the outerdiameter (35 a) and the inter diameter (35 b). Adjacent to the air ventsection is generally circular shaft receiver (31) (FIG. 8) having agenerally circular outer diameter of about (35 b) and a generallycircular inter diameter of (35 c). Shaft receiver (31) defines centeropening (37) located at the center of first ventilator plate (14). Shaftreceiver (31) is suitably sized to receive shaft portion (12 b) so thatthe annular surface (or edge) of shaft receiver (31) associates withstep (25) (FIG. 3) to provide a predefined gap (7) (FIG. 2) betweencircular plate (18) and first ventilator plate (14). One or more axialkeyways (38) are provided along the inside wall of shaft receiver (31)where such axial keyways (38) are configured to receive one or more keys(26) (FIG. 3) in order to align the ventilator plate and preventrotation of the ventilator plate relative to shaft portion (12 b).

Preferably, but not necessarily, first ventilator plate (14) is glued orotherwise fixed to shaft portion (12 b), but alternatively can be pressfitted, fastened, or integrally formed with the shaft portion (12 b) tomaintain the first ventilator plate's relative position. As a furtheralternative, the dome (12) and first ventilator plate member (14) may bemade as a single member.

Attention is now directed to the gusset-surface of first ventilatorplate (14). As noted above, air vent section (35) defines a circularsection that has a generally circular outer diameter (35 a) and agenerally circular inter diameter (35 b). As best viewed in FIG. 1 andFIG. 8, air vent section (35) extends beyond the gusset-surface apredefined distance thereby defining vent height (45). Also depicted inFIG. 1 and FIG. 8, a plurality of gusset supports (32) extend radiallyoutward from air vent section (35) and along the surface of firstventilator plate (14) toward the outer diameter of first ventilatorplate (14). Such gusset supports (32) connect the surface of firstventilator plate (14) to the side of air vent section (35) therebyreinforcing the surface of first ventilator plate (14).

In addition, gusset supports (32) extend perpendicularly from thegusset-surface a predefined gusset height (43) (FIG. 6, FIG. 8). For thepresently preferred embodiment, gusset height (43) is substantiallyequal too or less than the vent height (45). It should be noted,however, that greater gusset heights (43) fall with the scope of thepresent invention.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such aconfiguration improves air flow across vent holes (30) thereby providingan improved venturi feature. For such a configuration, when air flowsacross air vent section (35) (due to wind or the vehicle being in tow orother reasons), air flows along the concave under surface (20) creatinga low pressure region above vent holes (30) thereby creating a suctioneffect which in turn improves air flow/exchange between the “inside” and“outside” of the cover.

As best seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the gripping surface of the firstventilator plate (14) is considered. The gripping surface of firstventilator plate (14) includes an annular gripping-region (70) having anouter-gripping-diameter (72) and an inter-gripping-diameter (74). Aplurality of gripping-strips (34) extend along the gripping region (70)from about the inter-gripping-diameter (74) to about theouter-gripping-diameter (72). Each gripping-strip (34) defines a seriesof alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridgesextend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefinedgripping-ridge-height. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, each adjacentgripping-strip is separated by an alignment-tooth (78) with theexception of the griping-strips that are adjacent to a seam-channel (36)(described later). For the present embodiment of the invention, eachalignment-tooth (78) extends perpendicularly from the gripping surfaceto a predefined alignment-tooth-height. Preferably, thealignment-tooth-height is greater than the gripping-ridge-height therebyforming a raised section between each gripping-strip (34). For thepresently preferred embodiment, the gripping surface of the firstventilator plate (14) comprises thirty gripping-strips (34).

Referring now to FIG. 5, the gripping surface of first ventilator plate(14) further defines seam-channels (36) free from gripping-strips (34).Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides ofgripping-region (70) as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 so thatgripping-strips (34) are divided into two equal gripping sections. Itshould be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may beuse and their locations within the gripping region selected as desiredfor the application of interest. Seam-channels (36) have a predefinedseam-channel-width (80) that is suitably sized to receive the seam of acover that is to be used with ventilator (10). Such a configurationallows ventilator (10) to be installed directly over the seam of a coverwhile still providing a more even clamping force to the cover alonggripping-region (70).

Referring now to FIG. 10 through FIG. 15, features of a secondventilator plate (16) are considered. For the purposes of thisdiscussion, the second ventilator plate (16) may be considered anddescribed as a male ventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however,that embodiments where the first and second ventilator plates aresubstantially identical (not male or female) fall within the scope ofthe present invention.

The second ventilator plate (16) comprises two opposed surfaces defininga circular plate. One such surface is referred to as the gusset-surfaceand can be best seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 14. The opposing surface to thegusset-surface is referred to as the gripping-surface and can be bestseen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15. For the presently preferred embodiment, thesecond ventilator plate (16) has an outer diameter that is substantiallythe same as that of first ventilator plate (14).

Second ventilator plate (16) comprises circular venting section (55)which further defines a plurality of vent holes (50) that extend throughthe entirety of venting section (55). Any number of holes may be used,however, for the presently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holesare used. As can be seen in FIG. 15, air vent section (55) has agenerally circular outer diameter (55 a) and a generally circular interdiameter (55 b). Vent holes (50) are defined by air vent section (55)disposed between the outer diameter (55 a) and the inter diameter (55b). Air vent section (55) further extends perpendicularly outward fromthe gripping-surface a predefined vent-section-height (80) (FIG. 12)forming a male-vent-section (83) (FIG. 15). The outer diameter (55 a)distance is preferably slightly less than the circular outer diameter(35) for the first ventilator plate. Similarly, the vent-section-height(80) is preferably substantially equal to vent height (45) (FIG. 8) forthe first ventilator plate. Such a configuration allowsmale-vent-section (83) to be received by the air-vent-receiver (85)(FIG. 9) defined by first ventilator plate (14).

Adjacent to the air vent section is generally circular shaft receiver(87) (FIG. 14) having a generally circular outer diameter of about (55b) and a generally circular inter diameter of (55 c). Shaft receiver(87) defines center opening (84) located at the center of secondventilator plate (16). Shaft receiver (87) is suitably sized to receiveshaft portion (12 b) so that the annular surface (or edge) of shaftreceiver (87) associates with step (25) (FIG. 3) to provide a predefinedgap (7) (FIG. 2) between circular plate (18) and second ventilator plate(16) when the second ventilator plate is used in the alternateconfiguration (i.e. second ventilator plate (16) is used as the“outside” ventilator plate). One or more axial keyways (58) are providedalong the inside wall of shaft receiver (87) where such axial keyways(58) are configured to receive one or more keys (26) (FIG. 3) in orderto align the ventilator plate relative to the other pieces and preventrotation of the ventilator plate about shaft portion (12 b).

Referring now to FIG. 14, attention is directed to the gusset-surface ofsecond ventilator plate (16). As noted above, circular shaft receiver(87) has a generally circular outer diameter of about (55 b) and agenerally circular inter diameter of (55 c). Adjacent to shaft receiver(87) is the air vent section defining air vents (50). Adjacent to airvents (50) is annular vent-wall (61) configured to prevent water andother materials from sliding across the gusset-surface and intovent-holes (50). A plurality of gusset supports (52) extend radiallyoutward from shaft receiver (87), through the air vent-wall (61) andalong the surface of second ventilator plate (16) toward the outerdiameter of second ventilator plate (16). Such gusset supports (52)connect the surface of second ventilator plate (16) to the side of shaftreceiver (87) and vent-wall (61) thereby reinforcing the surface ofsecond ventilator plate (16).

Gusset supports (52) also extend perpendicularly from the gusset-surfacea predefined gusset height (63). For the presently preferred embodiment,gusset height (63) is substantially equal too or less than thevent-wall-height (65). It should be noted, however, that greater gussetheights (63) fall within the scope of the present invention as long asair is allowed to freely flow across vent holes (50). As before, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciated that such a configurationimproves air flow across vent holes (50) thereby providing an improvedventuri feature.

As best seen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, the gripping surface of the secondventilator plate (16) is examined. The gripping surface of secondventilator plate (16) includes an annular gripping-region (90) having anouter-gripping-diameter (92) and an inter-gripping-diameter (94). Aplurality of gripping-strips (91) extend along the gripping region (90)from about the inter-gripping-diameter (94) to about theouter-gripping-diameter (92). Each gripping-strip (91) defines a seriesof alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridgesextend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefinedgripping-ridge-height. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, each adjacentgripping-strip is separated by a non-gripping-strip section. Suchnon-gripping-strip sections form a channel definingalignment-teeth-receivers (97). For the presently preferred embodiment,the gripping-ridge-height for both ventilator plates is substantiallyequal so that the alignment-teeth (78) of first ventilator plate (14)are received by the alignment-teeth receivers (97) when ventilator (10)is assembled so that the gripping surface of both ventilator platesapply a more uniform and secure clamping force to cover (11). Inaddition, gripping-strips (91) are disposed at a point along thegripping-surface relative to axial keyway (58) that allowsalignment-teeth (78) to align with the alignment-teeth-receivers (97) offirst ventilator plate (14) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the gripping surface of second ventilatorplate (16) further defines seam-channels (56) free from gripping-strips(91). Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides ofgripping-region (90) as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15 so thatgripping-strips (91) are divided into two equal gripping sections. Itshould be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may beuse and their locations within the gripping region selected as desiredfor the application of interest. Seam-channels (56) have a predefinedseam-channel-width that is substantially equal to seam-channel-width(80) for the first ventilator plate (14). In addition, seam-channels(56) are disposed at a point along the gripping-surface at a pointrelative to axial keyway (58) that allows seam-channels (56) to alignwith seam-channels (36) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

As described above, when the second ventilator plate (16) is associatedwith shaft section (24) of the dome (12), the one or more keyways (58)orient second ventilator member (16) with first ventilator plate (14)such that the air vent holes (30) and air vent holes (50) are alignedproviding a air flow path between the “inside” of the cover to the“outside”.

Referring now to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, one exemplary fastening device isdepicted. The fastening device is configured to secure and associate thesecond ventilator plate (16), the first ventilator plate (14), and dome(12) together. For the presently preferred embodiment, such fasteningdevice is nut (8). Nut (8) comprises an internal screw thread (46) sizedto mate with the external threads (27) at the bottom of shaft portion(12 b) (FIG. 3). A number of alternative fastening devices can be usedin place of the illustrated screw threads. For example, a pin inassociation with a camming slot, a lever operated cam lock, and otherlike attaching means as are known in the art. In the illustratedembodiment, a pair of oppositely disposed wings (47) extend from theouter diameter of the nut (8) to permit hand tightening. A hexagonalconfiguration can alternatively be used in lieu of wings (47). Theclamping feature between the two ventilator plates and cover (11) isachieved by tightening nut (8) so that top annular surface (48) of thenut (8) bears against an annular surface defined by second ventilatorplate (16) forcing the ventilator plates together.

Yet another alternative embodiment for the fastening device comprises amagnetic material disposed in a protective material. In that spirit, Nut(8) may be composed of magnetic material or comprise magnetic materialdisposed in a protective material to protect the item being covered fromscratches. When the item being covered is a vehicle, fastening devicecomprises a magnetic plate disposed in a protective housing. Theprotective housing is preferably configured for being securelyassociated with nut (8). Alternatively, the protective housing comprisesinter threads (46) for receiving external threads (27). The magneticplate and protective housing is appropriated sized for the applicationof interest.

Support Structure—Flip Lock Pole

Referring back to FIG. 3, it was noted above that Dome (12) defines ashaft portion (12 b) that extends downwardly from the center of the domeportion (12 a). Shaft portion (12 b) includes a blind axial opening (24)suitably sized to receive a support structure such as a pole. Blindaxial opening (24) can be of a single diameter, tapered, or of stepped,multiple diameters to accept poles of different diameters.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in the assembled view of the ventilator shownin FIG. 1 where a cover material (11) is seen to include a hole therethrough with a main portion of the cover material (11) extendingradially away from the hole and clamped between the opposed surfaces(15) and (17), of the first ventilator plate (14) and the secondventilator plate (16), respectively. A support structure (130) isconfigured for being associated with the ventilator and for supportingthe ventilator and cover at a desired height. For applications wheresupport structure (130) is used with a cover ventilator as depicted inFIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter of shaft portion (12b) includes a first-shaft-diameter (23 a) and a largersecond-shaft-diameter (23 b) thereby defining a step or flanged surface(25) there between. Such shaft portion (12 b) is thus configured forreceiving one end of a support structure.

The presently preferred embodiment of the inventive flip lock supportstructure comprises a first hollow pole-section (132), a second hollowpole section (134), and a third pole section (136) (which may or may notbe hollow) configured in a telescoping arrangement. Thus, the first polesection (132) has a slightly larger inside diameter than the outsidediameter of second pole (134) which has a slightly larger insidediameter than the outside diameter of third pole section (136).Associated with one end of said first pole section (132) is a latchingdevice (138) configured to selectively secure pole sections (132) and(134) in a desired position. The opposite end of first pole section(132) may be further associated with an end cap (142).

The end of second pole section (134) that is distal from latching device(138) is associated with latching device (140) configured to selectivelysecure pole sections (134) and (136) in a desired position. The free endof third pole section (136) is configured to be associated with a devicesuch as a cover ventilator. It should be appreciated that the disclosedsupport structures can be used to support covers that do not havedevices such as ventilators.

Preferably, support structure (130) is constructed to minimize weight sothat it may be easily carried and adjusted using one hand. Thus, allpole sections preferably define a thin hollow pole made from a lightweight material such as aluminum where the inner profile of such tubingis ribbed for added strength.

Referring now to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, one embodiment of a latchingdevice (138) is presented. Latching device (138) comprises a latch-body(150) defining a taper hollow body having a large section (150L) and asmall section (150 s) separated by slot (151). As shown in FIG. 20, thediameter (152) of large section (150L) is greater than the diameter(154) of small section (150S). The transition region between largesection (150L) and small section (150S) defines pole-stop (156). Largesection (150L) further comprises a clamp region (150LC) while smallsection (150S) comprises clamp region (150SC).

For this embodiment of the invention, diameter (152) is slightly largerthan the outside diameter of pole section (132) so that one end of polesection (132) can be inserted into large section (150L) to pole-stop(156). Clamping bolt (158) is tightened until clamp region (150LC)securely associates large section (150L) to pole section (132).

Similarly, diameter (154) is slightly larger than the outside diameterof pole section (134) so that one end of pole section (134) can beinserted into small section (150S). As pole section (134) and latchingdevice (138) are hollow, pole section (134) is free to slide in and outof pole section (132) as desired. When a desired position is reached,clamp lever (160) is moved to the locked position thereby compressingclamp region (150SC) to secure pole section (132) and pole section (134)in such desired position.

FIG. 21, FIG. 22, and FIG. 23 present additional views of latchingdevice (138). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that thedescription for latching device (140) is almost identical to the abovedescription for latching device (138). One notable difference is thediameter measurements of the large section (150L) and the small section(150S). For latching device (140) the diameter of large section (150L)is about the same as the outside diameter of pole section (134) whilethe diameter of small section (150S) is about the same as the outsidediameter of pole section (136).

Support Structure—Gear Driven Adjustment

Referring now to, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 one alternative embodiment of theinvention is presented. For this embodiment dome (12.1) of ventilator(10) is configured with a gear box (270) configured to receive a drivegear (280). A hole (274) is defined at the approximate center of dome(12.1) wherein such hole (274) is configured to receive support pole(276) so that ventilator (10) may move vertically along support pole(276). For this configuration, support post (276) may be a section(preferably the top section but not necessarily) of a telescopingsupport structure. Alternatively, pole (276) may be a ridged nonadjustable support structure.

The drive gear (280) comprises a plurality of gear-teeth (289)configured to mesh with the pole-teeth (278) defined by support pole(276). The gear box (270) defines an inter void configured to receivedrive gear (280) and to provide the gear-teeth (289) of drive gear (280)with access to pole-teeth (278). The entrance of the inter void of thegear box defines a hex (272) configured for associating with acorresponding gear-hex (288).

When drive gear (280) is pushed all the way into the gear box (270) voidso that gear-hex (288) is disassociated from hex (272), the gear-teeth(289) of drive gear (280) are free to move. One of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that when drive gear (280) is in such an unlockedposition, rotating drive gear (280) in the clockwise direction willcause dome (12.1) to move vertically up support pole (276). Similarly,if drive gear (80) is rotated in the counter clockwise direction, dome(12.1) will move vertically down support pole (276).

By pulling drive gear (280) back out of the gear box (270) void untilgear hex (288) is associated with hex (272), the drive gear (280) isplaced in the locked position. For the preferred embodiment, when drivegear (280) is in the locked position, gear-teeth (289) are stillassociated with pole-teeth (278). One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that when drive gear (280) is in such a locked position,drive gear (280) may not be rotated and dome (12.1) is not free to movevertically along support pole (276). Such a configuration provides aself locking feature. It will be appreciated, however, that otherconfigurations where the gear-teeth are disassociated from thepole-teeth in the lock position fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

To facilitate pushing in and pulling out drive gear (280) from the gearbox (270) void and the remote rotation of drive gear (280), a crank(290) is used. Crank (290) comprises a drive gear shaft socket (291)configured with an L-slot (292). To push drive gear (280) into the gearbox (270) void, the shaft socket (291) is simply associated with the endof drive gear shaft (280) so that drive gear shaft pins (286) arereceived by shaft socket (291) and a pushing force is applied. To pulldrive gear (280) out of the gear box (270) void so that gear hex (288)is associated with hex (272) (locking position), the shaft socket (291)is associated with the end of drive gear shaft (281) so that drive gearshaft pins (286) are received by shaft socket (291) and secured by theL-slot (292) and a pulling force is applied. It will be appreciated that“pulling out” the drive gear (280) does not necessarily mean pulling thedrive gear all the way out of the gear box (270) void. In fact, as notedabove, for the preferred embodiment, the drive gear is only pulled outfar enough to allow the gear-hex (288) to associate with the void hex(272) thereby locking the drive gear (280) (and ventilator 10) at adesired position.

To cause the drive gear to rotate, crank (290) is turned in either theclockwise or counter clockwise direction as desired. It should beappreciated that the length of crank (290) may be any suitable length toallow a user to remotely raise and lower ventilator (10).

Support Structure—Pneumatic

Referring now to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, another alternative embodiment ofthe invention is presented. For this embodiment a pneumatically operatedsupport structure (200) is used to raise and lower a device such as acover, perhaps associated with a cover ventilator. As shown in FIG. 26,support structure (200) is a Pneumatically Operated Telescoping Pole(POTP). POTP (200) comprises a plurality of telescoping sections (POTPsection 204, POTP section 230, and POTP section 240), with the lastsection associated with pneumatic end cap (202). For such embodiment,pneumatic end cap (202) forms at least a substantially air tight seal atthe end of the last section and is suitably configured for beingassociated with ventilator (10). A substantially air tight seal isdefined as a seal that, while not completely air tight over time, holdsenough air to maintain the pressure required to provide the “supportfunction” for a predetermined length of time for an anticipated loadwithout the need for re-pressurizing the system. Embodiments where endcap 202 is integral to POTP section 240 fall within the scope of theinvention.

For the presently preferred embodiment, the telescoping sections are inthe shape of a round pole or pipe. Such sections may be constructed fromany suitable material including PVC, plastic, and aluminum. As bestviewed in FIG. 27, the first POTP section (204) comprises a hollow tubehaving diameter (207) and defining a substantially air tight chamber(205). A first end of first POTP section (204) is associated with aPneumatic end cap (206). Pneumatic end cap (206) comprises a plug (208)with a diameter slightly less than the diameter (207). Plug (208)comprises a grove running around its circumference where such grove isconfigured for receiving 0-ring (210). Such a configuration forms asubstantially air tight seal between the first end of first POTP section(204) and pneumatic end cap (206). It should be appreciated thatpneumatic end cap (206) may be associated with first POTP section (204)in any number of ways such as threads or glue.

Pneumatic end cap (206) further comprises access-port (212) configuredto provide external access to substantially air tight chamber (205).Plug (208) further defines a section-stop (214) configured to stop aninternal telescoping section before it reaches access-port (212).Associated with the pneumatic end cap (206) and the first end of firstPOTP section (204) is protective-cap (216). Protective-cap (216) ispreferably constructed of rubber or some other material designed toprotect the POTP and the item that POTP presses against.

Access-port (212) is further configured for being associated with a airsource such as air supply hose (218). By pumping air into access-port(212) the telescoping pole sections are pressurized causing them to moveto an extended position. By removing air from the telescoping polesections via access-port (212), such sections may be compressed in aretracted position. It should be appreciated that other access ports maybe provided for removing and/or supplying air to the system.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the second end of first POTP section (204) isassociated with hollowing coupling (222). The inside diameter ofcoupling (222) including extension (224) is slightly less than theoutside diameter of second POTP section (230) so that second POTPsection (230) may slide freely through coupling (222).

A first end of second POTP section (230) is associated with a pneumaticpiston (226) generally cylindrically shaped with a diameter slightlysmaller than the inside of first POTP section (204) but slightly largerthan second POTP section (230). As noted above for the POTP sections,pneumatic piston (226) is preferably constructed from low frictionplastic materials such as polyethylene or Derin. Pneumatic piston (226)further defines a circumferential groove configured for receiving pistonseal (228). For the preferred embodiment, piston seal (228) is a U-cupseal constructed from Buna-N rubber or other suitable materials known inthe art to form a substantially air tight seal between two surfaces.Piston seal (228) forms a substantially air tight seal between the edgesof pneumatic piston (128) and the inside surface of first POTP section(204). When second POTP section (230) is fully extended, surface (229)of pneumatic piston (228) comes in contact with extensions (224) toprevent piston (228) from leaving fist POTP section (204).

For the presently preferred embodiment, the second end of second POTPsection (230) is associated with pneumatic coupling (222 b) (see FIG.26). The above description of pneumatic coupling (222) apply equally topneumatic coupling (222 b) except the various component sizes areslightly smaller to as required to allow third POTP section (240) tofreely move within the telescoping support structure.

As noted above, since third POTP section (240) is the final supportsection (for the present embodiment), the second end of third POTPsection (240) is associated with pneumatic end cap (202). Pneumatic endcap (202) forms a substantially air tight seal at the end of section(240) thereby completing the substantially air tight arrangement.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when air is pumpinto access-port (212), a pressure is applied to pneumatic end cap (202)causing the third POTP section (240) to extend away from the first POTPsection and second POTP section until pneumatic piston (226 b) pressesagainst coupling (222 b). At this point, both third POTP section andsecond PTOP section start extending away from the first POTP section.When such sections move far enough, pneumatic piston (226) pressesagainst coupling (222) and the PTOP sections are fully extended.

For the above embodiment, the system is always under pressure. When theair pressure is lost within the POTP sections, the sections collapse ifthere is a load present to collapse the sections. Alternativeembodiments include configurations comprising a plurality of latchingpositions so that as the POTP sections extend, a latching device extendswith the sections. If the air pressure is removed from the POTPsections, the latching device prevents the PTOP sections fromcollapsing. Many such latching devices are known in the art and a detaildecision is not necessary to provide an enabling disclosure.

The inside of the POTP sections may be lubricated to help reduce weardue to friction and to help form a more air tight seal between thevarious components. Additionally, it should be appreciated that anynumber of POTP sections may be used.

Other means of applying an extending force to the various POTP sectionsis to include springs inside the POTP sections. Such springs take theplace of the air and consequently the sealing components would not benecessary for such an embodiment and such sections would no longer bepneumatically operated telescoping pole sections; they would be springloaded telescoping pole sections.

Support Structure—Adjustable Ventilator Jack

Referring now to FIG. 29 through FIG. 36, one exemplary embodiment of anadjustable ventilator jack 500 is presented. As best seen in FIG. 35(cover 502 has been removed), ventilator jack 500 comprises a modifieddome (12) associated with a jack support (512). Jack support (512) maybe integral to dome (12) or a separate component mechanically associatedwith dome (12). Jack support (512) is configured with a jack supportinterface configured to releaseably receive jack (504).

Jack (504) comprises a lever section (503) mechanically associated witha lever receiver (505). Lever receiver (505) is configured for receivinga leverage device such as a long bar. For the presently preferredembodiment, lever section (503) comprises a set of lever arms with eacharm defining a lever surface (507), a leverage point (507 e), and anopposing locking point (509). Locking points (509) are configured forbeing removably associated with locking point receivers (509 a) definedby jack support (512). Additionally, lever arms of lever section (503)are suitably sized for being received by jack support (512) as depictedin FIG. 35. As shown, such lever arms define an inter-arm-space that iswide enough to allow support pole (22) to pass between the lever arms.

Lever surfaces (507) for each arm are configured for pressing againstplate surface (507 a) of pusher plate (514). As depicted in FIG. 36,pusher plate (514) defines a generally rectangular shape with a hole(511) defined there through. Pusher plate (514) is suitably sized forfifing between the lever arms of lever section (503) and hole (511) issuitably sized for receiving support pole (22) as best seen in FIG. 36b.

Referring now to FIG. 35, FIG. 36, and FIG. 36 b, hole (511) of pusherplate (514) is further suitably sized for receiving support pole (22)associated with a bias spring (516). The pusher plate (51)/bias spring(516) combination is configured for fitting inside jack support void(515).

For the presently preferred embodiment, adjustable ventilator jack (500)further includes jack release (524). Jack release (524) defines asubstantially flat rectangular section with an inclined edge, (i.e.release (524 r)), defined at one end and a release interface (524 i)defined at the opposing end. Jack release (524) further defines a holeat the approximate center suitably sized for receiving support pole(22). Additionally, release interface (524 i) is suitably sized forbeing mechanically associating with jack support (512) r-interface (524b) as best viewed in FIG. 35.

The system my further include o-ring 518 configured for prevent liquidfrom running down support pole (22).

The operation of adjustable ventilator jack (500) is now considered.When no force is applied to lever receiver (505), bias spring (516)keeps pusher plate (514) in a substantially horizontal position. When aforce is applied to lever receiver (505), and the force is in the “D”direction, leverage point (507 e) presses down against a first end ofplate surface (507 a) compressing bias spring (516) and causing theopposing end of plate surface (507 a) to rise in the U direction (i.e.pusher plate (514) is no longer substantially horizontal). When theforce is removed from lever receiver (505), bias spring (516) forces thefirst end back level with the opposing end that by placing pusher plate(514) back to a substantially horizontal position. As such action isrepeated, the pusher plate (514) will “climb” up support pole (22)thereby causing dome (12) to rise up support pole (22). One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that jack release (524) does not have abias spring to keep it horizontal. Thus, jack release (524) will preventdome (12) from sliding down support pole (12). Thus, when one wishes tocause dome (12) to travel down support pole (22), pressure is applied torelease (524 i).

Electronic Features

Alternative embodiments of the invention relate to electronicallyenabled cover ventilators and support structures. One exemplaryembodiment of such a configuration is presented in block diagram form inFIG. 37. For the presently preferred embodiment, an electronic module isassociated with one of the support structure or the ventilator. For thepreferred embodiment, the electronic module is disposed within theventilator.

The electronic module comprises a controller (300) electricallyassociated with at least one of a communication device (302), supportstructure height adjustment device (304), a tamper sensor (306), asignaling device (308), a visual sensor (310), an environment sensor(312), and an audio sensor (314). The electronic module may be connectedto an external power source or may include its own power source (orboth) for supplying the various components with power.

For the preferred embodiment, the functional blocks of FIG. 37 representASSPs (Application Specific Standard Product), Complex ProgrammableLogic Devices (CPLD), ASICs (application specific integrated circuit),microprocessors, or PICs or links to devices that perform the identifiedfunction. In addition, one or more functional blocks may be integratedinto a single device or chip sets such as ASSP chip sets.

Manufactures of suitable ASSP devices include Motorola, and TexasInstruments. While most of the functions are preferably performed byASSP chip sets, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD) may be used tointerface the various ASSP blocks to the system buss allowing one systemcomponent to interface with another component. Manufactures of suitableCPLD devices include Lattice's (ispMACH 4000 family) and (Altera's MAX7000-series CPLD).

For the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, controller(300) is configured to perform various tasks including data management,data storage, data transfers, resource monitoring, and system monitoringdepending on the device configuration. Controller (300) is preferably asimple PIC (such as the ones manufactured by MicroChip). Othertechnologies that may be used include ASICs (application specificintegrated circuit) and ASSPs (application specific standard product).Controller (300) may comprise onboard ROM, RAM, EPROM type memories. Inaddition, external memory may be electrically associated with controller(300).

For the presently preferred embodiment, the controller (300) isassociated with a pneumatic based support structure such as the onedescribed above. An air source is mechanically associated with thepneumatic support structure and electrically associated with controller(300). Controller (300) is configured to receive movement signals viacommunication device (302). Controller (300) then generates thecorresponding control signals that are transferred to support heightadjustment (304) which in turn adjusts the height of the supportstructure.

Exemplary communication device circuitry is now considered. For oneembodiment, relatively long range wireless communication circuitryincludes an RF transceiver configured to transmit and receive datasignals to/from a remote electronic device. It should be noted thatembodiments where such communication circuitry comprises only atransmitter or only a receiver fall within the scope of the invention.For one embodiment, communication device (302) comprises a transceiverincluding a relatively low power transmitter that transmits a datasignal in an unlicensed frequency band. Other embodiments include arelatively longer range transmitter comprising any number of well knowntechnologies for wireless communications transmitting at a legal powerlevel. For example, the transceiver may be configured to communicateover GPRS, GSM, GPRS, 3G, and EDGE enabled networks as well as WAPnetworks.

For low powered embodiments, communication device (302) comprises atransceiver configured with a low power transmitter. Such a low poweredtransceiver operates in an unlicensed band although frequenciesrequiring a license may be used. Suitable technologies include Bluetoothand Zigbee (IEEE 802.15). Zigbee is a low data rate solution formulti-month to multi-year battery life applications. Zigbee operates onan unlicensed, international frequency band. Such technologies are knownand understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanationthereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method andsystem according to the present invention. Low power communicationdevice (302) is configured for short range communication with othersuitably configured devices such as wireless sensors, wireless devicessuch as a Bluetooth enabled pneumatic pump, remote control devices, andremote programming devices. In addition, such communication device maybe (paired) with a second device associated with the vehicle beingcovered. In such configuration, controller 300 is configured to transmitand/or receive signals to the second device. The second device wouldpreferably be configured with relatively longer range communicationcapabilities thereby allowing information to be transmitted to/fromcontroller 300 over greater distances without requiring theelectronically enabled cover ventilator to include relatively high power(and thus power hungry) communication circuits.

Visual sensor (310) is electrically associated with controller (300) andis configured for acquiring and transferring images as directed bycontroller (300) or an on board controller. For the preferredembodiment, visual sensor (310) is configured to support CMOS imageinput sensors such as the one manufactured by Micron® and/or CCD(charge-coupled device) image input sensors such as the onesmanufactured by ATMEL® sensors. Visual sensor (310) performs thenecessary processing functions to convert the imaging data into adesired format before transferring such data.

Attention now is directed to audio sensor (314). For the preferredembodiment, audio sensor (314) comprises speaker and a microphoneelectrically associated with an audio codex. Audio sensor (314) isconfigured for detecting sound waves and converting such waves intodigital data of a predefined format such as MP3. Sound waves may also begenerated by audio sensor (314) using the speaker to issue, for example,warnings and provide for other forms of communications.

The electronic module further comprises environment sensor (312) whichmay comprise any number of sensors configured to sense an environmentalparameter. Suitable environment sensors include temperature, height,humidity, water, pressure and location sensors. Environment sensor (312)may further comprise a universal interface for being electricallyassociated with a variety of appropriately configured sensors.

For one embodiment the environment sensor (312) that generates locationdata, environment sensor (312) includes a GPS (global positioningsystem) device. The GPS device is one embodiment of a position-finderelectrically associated with a controller wherein the GPS device isconfigured to generate position-data for the location of electronicmodule.

For one embodiment, controller (300) is configured to monitor thelocation of the electronic module. Controller (300) stores the locationdata for the electronic module's current location and then periodicallymonitors (periodic at equal intervals, unequal intervals, randomintervals) the controller's real time location to determine if the realtime location data has changed or is changing from the stored locationdata. If the real time location data is determined to have changed formthe stored location data by a predefined amount, controller (300) maythen execute one or more predefined movement-detected-routines. Suchroutines many include any of the following: (1) activating a signalingdevice; (2) activating the audio sensor to record sound data and/or togenerate a sound message; (3) activating the visual sensor to recordimage data; (4) activate the communication device to transmit a messageto a remote location such as the owner or police. Other routines mayalso be developed as needed.

Controller (300) may further be configured to monitor the height of thesupport structure using a height sensor. One suitable height sensor is asimple rheostat that changes value as the height of the supportstructure is varied. The change in resistance value is correlated to theheight of the support structure. When a user wishes to move the supportstructure to a desired height, a communication signal is transferred tothe controller (300). Controller (300) then checks the value of theheight sensor and generates the appropriate control signals that aretransferred to height adjustment circuit (304). If the desired height isa simple direction signal (i.e. move up, or move down), controller (300)generates the appropriate control signals to generated the desiredmovement for as long as the direction signal is detected or a mechanicallimit is reached.

For another embodiment of the invention, controller (300) monitors thepressure inside the pneumatic based support structure. For thisembodiment, a pneumatic pressure sensor is associated with the supportstructure and configured to generate pressure data based on the airpressure within the pneumatic support structure. Predefined maximum andminimum pressure threshold values are stored in a memory associated withcontroller (300). When controller (300) determines that the pressurewithin the support structure is out side the pressure threshold,controller (300) generates the appropriate control signals that aretransferred to height adjustment circuit (304) to bring the pressurewithin the support structure back to the approximate middle of thethreshold values.

Controller (300) may further be configured to monitor the supportstructure environment for water. For example, the support structure maybe used to hold up a cover ventilator associated with a boat cover. Awater sensor is associated with the support structure or positioned inthe boat and electrically associated with controller (300). For example,the water height sensor may be Bluetooth enabled and transmit waterlevel data to controller (300). When controller (300) receives waterheight data it compares such data to stored water height data that isassociated with an action routine. An action routine is any routine thatis executed by some device upon the detection of an event or condition.For this particular application, controller (300) may activate a waterpump to pump the water out of the boat. Such water pump may be the boatswater pump or another pump electrically associated with controller(300). Another action routine would be to use communication device (302)to transmit a signal containing water height data or a warning messageto a remote location.

Similarly, other sensors such as temperature and humidity may beassociated with controller (300). Preferably, for each sensor, there isstored threshold data that is used by controller or the sensor todetermine if a predefined condition exists. Such threshold data isfurther associated with at least one action routine that is to beexecuted when a predefined condition is detected.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

1. A ventilator for ventilating a cover, said ventilator comprising: adome comprising a dome portion and a depending shaft portion whereinsaid dome portion defines one of (a) a generally circular umbrellashape, and (b) a polygonal umbrella shape, wherein a center of said domeportion is the upper most portion and wherein an outer surface of saiddome portion curves in a downward direction extending away from saidcenter to a predefined distance thereby defining a dome-outer-perimeter;wherein said shaft portion extends downwardly from the center of saiddome portion, said shaft portion defining a shaft interface suitablysized to receive a support structure; two ventilator plates, whereineach ventilator plate comprises two opposed surfaces defining a platehole there through in the approximate center, said plate hole defining ashaft receiver suitably sized to receive said shaft portion, whereinsaid opposed surfaces extend away from said shaft receiver to apredefined point thereby defining an plate-outer-perimeter; wherein oneside of each said ventilator plate defines a gripping-surface and theopposing side of said ventilator plate defines a gusset-surface; whereineach ventilator plate further defines a vent section disposed at leastpartially around said shaft receiver, said vent section defining atleast one air passage, where said air passage extends beyond thegusset-surface thereby defining a vent height; wherein saidgusset-surface defines a plurality of gusset supports extendingperpendicularly from the gusset-surface to a predefined gusset-heightthat is one of (a) a equal to said vent height and (b) less than saidvent height, and further extending outward from said vent section towardsaid plate-outer-perimeter; wherein said gripping-surface defines anannular gripping region wherein said annular gripping region defines anouter-gripping-diameter and an inter-gripping-diameter, and wherein aplurality of gripping-strips extend along said annular gripping regionfrom the inter-gripping-diameter to the outer-gripping-diameter whereineach adjacent said gripping-strip is separated by a non-gripping-stripsection; a seam-channel running from a first outer-gripping-diameterpoint and along said gripping-surface to a secondouter-gripping-diameter point, wherein said seam-channel is free ofgripping-strips; and a fastening device configured to mechanicallyassociate the ventilator plates and dome so that they clamp togetherwherein the gripping regions of said ventilator plates are engaged eachother, and the seam-channels of said ventilator plates are aligned forclamping the cover therebetween.
 2. A ventilator for ventilating a coveras in claim 1, wherein said shaft interface defines a blind axialopening.
 3. A ventilator for ventilating a cover as in claim 2, whereinan outer diameter of said shaft portion defines a first-shaft-diameterand a larger second-shaft-diameter thereby defining flanged surfacethere between.
 4. A ventilator for ventilating a cover as in claim 3,wherein in at least one axial key extends along at least a portion thelength of said smaller first-shaft-diameter.
 5. A ventilator forventilating a cover as in claim 4, wherein said fastening device is anut and wherein said depending shaft further defines screw threads atthe bottom of said smaller first-shaft-diameter configured for receivingsaid nut.
 6. A ventilator for ventilating a cover as in claim 2 whereinsaid ventilator plates are interchangeable so that a portion of saidgusset-surface of either of said two plates are configured to associatewith said flanged interface.
 7. A ventilator for ventilating a cover asin claim 1, wherein one of said two venerator plates is integral to saiddome.
 8. A ventilator for ventilating a cover as in claim 1, whereinsaid dome-outer-perimeter extends beyond said plate-outer-perimeter. 9.A ventilator for ventilating a cover as in claim 1, wherein at least oneof said non-gripping-strip section of one said ventilator plate is analignment-tooth, and at least one of said non-gripping strip section ofanother one said ventilator plate is an alignment-tooth receiver forreceiving said alignment-tooth respectively.
 10. A ventilator forventilating a cover as in claim 9, wherein said gripping-regioncomprises thirty gripping-strips.
 11. A ventilator for ventilating acover as in claim 10, wherein said gripping region is divided by saidseam-channel.